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Memphis Grizzlies: Why Jaren Jackson Jr. deserves 3-Point Contest invite during All-Star Game festivities

By Jacob Ellerbee

DENVER, CO - JANUARY 21: Jaren Jackson Jr. #13 of the Memphis Grizzlies reacts to a three point shot against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena on January 21, 2022 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Mito/Clarkson Creative/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - JANUARY 21: Jaren Jackson Jr. #13 of the Memphis Grizzlies reacts to a three point shot against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena on January 21, 2022 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Mito/Clarkson Creative/Getty Images) /
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Jaren Jackson, Jr. of the Memphis Grizzlies
Jaren Jackson Jr., Memphis Grizzlies (Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports) /

The Memphis Grizzlies are not exactly the epitome of three-point shooting this season, attempting the seventh-fewest three-pointers per game in the NBA this season.

Desmond Bane gets all of the headlines for his sharp-shooting prowess, as he should. He’s the second-most accurate three-point shooter in the NBA this season, knocking down 42% of his attempts (minimum 300 attempts).

But, in a league full of wing players that can knock down shots, it’s Jaren Jackson Jr. that should be a darkhorse candidate to compete in the contest.

Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. is deserving of 3-point contest invite

It would be fantastic to see Jaren Jackson at ASG Weekend competing in an event. Ideally, we would love to see him on the biggest stage during the actual All-Star game, but he’s still probably another year or two away from being in contention for a spot on the team.

The NBA loves to showcase the three-point shooting big man and Jaren fits that mold.

Jaren has a realistic shot at getting an invite. He is tied for second in the NBA for players 6’11” or taller in 3PA per game this season.

If invited, he would be just the fifth Memphis Grizzlies player to ever compete in the contest and the first since Mike Miller suited up during the 2006-07 season.

Players 6’11” or taller with the most 3PA in the NBA this season

  • Lauri Markkanen: 34.2% on 5.9 attempts per game
  • Karl-Anthony Towns: 40.1% on 5.5 attempts per game
  • Jaren Jackson, Jr.: 31.3% on 5.5 attempts per game
  • Kristaps Porzingis: 29% on 5.2 attempts per game
  • Myles Turner: 31.3% on 4.4 attempts per game
  • Nikola Jokic: 36.3% on 4.2 attempts per game

*minimum 4 attempts per game on average

Joel Embiid (3.4 3PA, 39%) and Mo Bamba (3.8 3PA, 35.5%) just missed the cut in this list for having fewer than four 3PA per game.

Markkanen is currently sidelined with an injury and would likely decline an invite to the competition. KAT is a good candidate to be named a reserve at the All-Star Game and seems like a no-brainer to be invited to the competition. Meanwhile, Jokic is likely to be a starter in the game and will already be there. He could get an invite as well.

If KAT and/or Jokic, it could the leave the door open for Jaren Jackson to be invited to the contest to represent the big men in the NBA.

Trip is more than deserving of an invite and he would bring some charisma and swagger to the event. Jaren is a volume shooter, so he probably wouldn’t be the favorite to win, but he would surely hold his own against some of the smaller competitors.

Heck, he may even be matched-up to compete against his Memphis Grizzlies teammate, Desmond Bane.

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